Midland 1

Banbury recovered from a disastrous start to lead hosts Longton at half-time, but then slipped to a 25-15 defeat, which means they are now bottom of the table.

Bulls found themselves eight points down in as many minutes as they conceded a soft try and a penalty.

However, their young side fought back with a try from lock Matt McNally from a five-metre line-out.

Then Peter Papenfus's up-and-under was dropped on the Longton 22. Graeme Cartmell kicked ahead, but was pulled back as he was about to touch down, resulting in a penalty try. Centre Andy Noyce's conversion gave the Bulls a 12-8 lead at half-time.

Facing a strong wind in the second half, Banbury conceded a try, before Noyce's penalty restored their lead.

But two further Longton tries - the result of driving mauls - proved decisive.